Infant and toddler with Chef Mickey
  • On May 16, 2023
    Lily from NY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi there! Planning a day trip with my 16 month old to Magic Kingdom, FL. Do you have any restaurant recommendations that are toddler friendly? And would you recommend renting the Disney strollers or bringing your own? Thanks!

    Hiya Lily!

    Welcome to planDisney! I have visited Walt Disney World since my babies were little toddlers till the school-aged kids they are now and I know how magical it is! Since your little one is only 16 months they will be free to enter the Parks and free to dine at any restaurant that has a buffet or off of your plate.

    We are a serious food family. Well, my husband and I are serious food people while my kids are very picky. We love that when visiting Walt Disney World there are so many food options that can make everyone happy. Since you are focused on a special day at Magic Kingdom Park I want to make sure I give you my favorite options. 

    There are two main meal options in the Parks that you need to decide between. Quick Service restaurants are exactly how it sounds. You order via the My Disney Experience app through Mobile Order or head to a counter and order with a Cast Member. Food is prepared quickly and you have to find a place to eat. I recommend Mobile Ordering and finding a seat to wait for it to be ready.

    My favorite ideas for Quick Service for little ones are: 
    • Pinocchio Village Haus- Flatbread pizza, chicken strips, and even a PB&J Uncrustable make this an easy family favorite. My favorite place to sit inside is the tables with windows overlooking "it's a small world." My kids love waving to guests as they embark on their voyage!
    • Columbia Harbour House- We love to eat here because the second floor has so much quiet and spacious seating. It's a great place to relax and let the whole family cool down. The standard chicken strips are present but fancier options like grilled shrimp or salmon are also available. My daughter just loves eating a bowl of rice. 
    Table Service restaurants require you to make an Advanced Dining Reservation. Bookings open up 60 days prior and they do fill up! I would keep trying if you don't find the reservations you want as you can now cancel up to two hours prior. Here are my favorite Table Service Restaurants for little ones: 
    • The Crystal Palace - This is not just a regular buffet meal, it has characters! Adorable Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet walk around for pictures and autographs right to your table! The buffet is varied and delicious and there is a little kids buffet too!
    • Chef Mickey's- This is not in Magic Kingdom Park but a short and fun monorail ride away or a walk to Disney's Contemporary Resort. Mickey and the gang are there for this fun buffet! 
    My recommendation from years of using strollers is for you to try and bring the stroller that your little one is most used to. Walt Disney World has some super cute strollers to rent but they are hard plastic and don't recline. Your little one might prefer after a long day the stroller that lets them recline and relax. I always attach extra hooks and cupholders on the stroller for all my food and bags. Don't forget your rain cover! 

    I hope this helps!

    Happy Planning!
    -Nimmy 
thumbnail image for Nimmy

Meet the Panelist: Nimmy, New York

Hey, it's Nimmy from New York! Just like my guy Jiminy Cricket I am your wisecracking and helpful guide to making the best decisions for your Disney vacation! My husband and I work very hard to journey to our favorite place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort, as much as we can. We have traveled as just adults, with babies, kids, teenagers, and senior citizens. We have seen so many characters, eaten at amazing places, and consumed a ton of Dole Whips. So "give a little whistle" and let me be your guide! Learn More About Nimmy

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